Neonatal Nurse duties and responsibilities
Many of the Neonatal Nurse’s responsibilities include monitoring infant health and conducting health assessments soon after birth. However, they also measure and weigh newborn babies, and educate parents on the care of newborn infants. Additional duties and responsibilities of Neonatal Nurses include:
- Comprehensive nursing assessments of newborns
- Develop a plan of care, monitor the effectiveness of the care plan, and adjust where necessary
- Monitor the health of infants suffering from medical issues
- Attend and assist high-risk births
- Perform tests and evaluate test results
- Provide treatment and administer medication as advised by NICU physicians
- Run and maintain equipment in the NICU
- Document patient history
Neonatal Nurse skills and qualifications
To excel as a Neonatal Nurse, the ability to work well under pressure and prioritize effectively is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills are important in this role, as Neonatal Nurses often communicate complex medical information to parents, all whilst working within a high-pressure environment. Top skills for Neonatal Nurses include:
- Effective planning, time management, organization, and coordination skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with other professions in a team environment
- Strong knowledge of neonatal standards of care
- In-depth understanding of pre-term and full-term infant pathophysiology and the management of infants requiring acute care
- Strong observation skills for physical assessments, experience with added nursing skills (such as capillary blood work, IVs, suctioning of ETTs) being an asset
- Excellent critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
- Conscientious and reliable
- Proficient computer skills and accurate documentation of patients’ medical history
Neonatal Nurse experience requirements
Neonatal Nurses don’t need prior nursing experience to apply for a position, however, relevant education in the field is necessary. Yet, having previous pediatrics or nursing experience can be beneficial. Other nursing experiences from medical fields outside of a NICU, such as a Nurse Assistant, can contribute to a nurse’s experience and provide valuable transferrable skills.
Neonatal Nurse education and training requirements
Neonatal Nurses must have at least an associate’s degree to practice neonatal care, although it’s not unusual to require a higher level of education such as a bachelor’s degree for the position. They should also hold current registration with their provincial or territorial regulatory body. To specialize in neonatal care, there are additional training programs and courses, such as the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), STABLE course, and Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider course.
Neonatal Nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average pay for a NICU Nurse in Canada is $23.96 per hour. However, the actual pay depends on the type of facility, nurse’s work experience, and geographical location.
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